By Lynne Czysz
Early Childhood Teacher at the Waldorf School of Lexington

We all carry unique customs, traditions, values and beliefs surrounding the holidays. Protecting the true essence of what this season of giving may mean to each of us can be tricky and problematic. Can opening ourselves to new traditions enhance our experience? How can we keep our celebrations simple and meaningful? To set ourselves on a healthy course for our celebrations we might look at what truly nourishes us. What are our own memories of childhood that we cherish?

Riding a bike for the first time without training wheels was a scary but exhilarating memory of mine. It was hard work and after a few painful falls it made the accomplished skill all the more worth it. Swimming, climbing trees, conquering the monkey bars and climbing a mountain with my mother are some of the times I remember best. All of these memories have one thing in common; a physical component. Whether it is singing, reading or stringing popcorn and cranberries, most of our memories frequently have a deep connection to our foundational senses.

Below are a few gift ideas that will support your child’s healthy sensory development. Some of them may seem strange to the modern consumer, but maybe not to the young child. Most of these items support a multi sensory experience but I have chosen to list them in specific categories to keep it simple.

May your seasonal giving, receiving and experiences be deep and precious!    

Activities and gifts that can support the sense of touch  

• Bath mitts, natural sponges, lotions, oils and soaps

• Lambskins, play silks, large pillows

• Sand tables, supportive boxes filled with beans, small shovels, funnels and scoops

• Modeling beeswax, beeswax crayons, finger paint, homemade play dough

• Soft wool long underwear

• Wool yarn for finger knitting

Activities and gifts that can support the sense of life and health

• Wooden cutting board, serrated butter knife for chopping and a small pitcher for helping to pour water at mealtimes

• Essential oils for the bathtub (these should only be handled by an adult as they could irritate eyes, mouth or other areas of the body if applied directly to the skin)

• Placemats, cotton napkins, a nice china dish and a colored glass drinking cup

• Small bucket, washcloth, scrub brush and small bottle of natural scented liquid soap

• A small hand broom and dustpan to help sweep the floor after meals

• Natural material bins to help keep rooms, art corners or other family areas organized and clean

• A flannel hot water bottle and a flannel pillow

• A soft fabric doll, doll clothes

Activities and gifts that can support the sense of movement

• A woodworking toolbox including a small hammer, a few short, thick nails, sandpaper, a soft cloth and natural-non toxic wood polish. This box can be stored in high place, brought down when you can supervise and work together on a particular project.

• Carpet sweeper (manual Bissell Natural sweep is 100% pvc free ♻️)

• Child sized push broom, snow shovel, rakes, wheelbarrow to help keep driveway, sidewalks and yard clean

• Wash tub, wash board, clothes pins and drying rack

Activities and gifts that can support the sense of balance

• An indoor rocking hammock or fabric swing

• A rocker board or a balance beam (maybe the balance beam is made with the tool kit that arrived😉)

• A small indoor trampoline or small yoga ball

• A rocking horse

• Ice skates, sleds or skis

Please support our school store Homespun when shopping for the holidays!

Homespun carries an abundance of sense nourishing materials such as modeling beeswax, soft dolls, beautiful board and picture books, framed prints and handmade craft items for young and old!